London Portrait: Sanchia Legister

Posted on November 22, 2017

During my last trip to London, I had the chance to attend one of my all time favorite yoga classes ever. I have been to my share of classes back home in the states, in Paris, Australia, Bali, and hands down I can say the Saturday Tings Vinyasa Flow by Sanchia Legister was high on my list of favorites.

Sometimes I’m put off by yoga because it can be pricey, you can easily get caught up in all the fancy yoga gear, not being able to twist and bend in all the positions Instagram worthy poses, and not always having teachers that cater to their audience. Sanchia’s energy and philosophy on making the practice your own, being free to move as you like and not follow traditional sequences, and really connecting with one’s self was really a highlight for me. Her playlists are banging and another really cool part of her classes with a perfect mix of smooth hip-hop and R& B vibes.

If you’re based in London or passing through I highly recommend one of her classes. Below you will find a London Portrait featuring Sanchia to learn a little more about her yoga journey and philosophy on “well being”.

MEET SANCHIA…

What part of London do you rep?

Oh, that’s hard. I have actually left pieces of my heart all over London, but North Wheezy, East and West London will always be special. They mark different phases in my life.

How would you describe London in 3 words?Inspiring | Badass | Overwhelming

When did your yoga journey begin?Many years ago at drama school. But I can’t say I felt like I “got it”.

What motivated you to start Yogahood London, Gyal Flex?I wanted to offer a space where I could share yoga with likeminded people, people that might think yoga isn’t for them, or that had had a negative experience. I wanted to encourage more people of colour to come to the mat, to break the rules by not having any rules and promote unapologetic behavior.

I wanted to offer a space where I could share yoga with likeminded people, people that might think yoga isn’t for them, or that had had a negative experience.

“What the F is wellbeing?” With all buzz words aside, what’s your outlook of health/fitness?

That you should do it YOUR way and that if you listen to your body it will often tell you what it needs and wants. There’s a lot of chatter and pressure in the wellness world, but it doesn’t have to be that complicated. I’m not into quick fixes, I think we have to make small changes to build permanent lifestyle changes and get to the bottom of things. Essentially we want to be happy and healthy, right?! That can’t be dictated to or earned in a kale juice alone.

you should do it YOUR way and that if you listen to your body it will often tell you what it needs and wants. There’s a lot of chatter and pressure in the wellness world, but it doesn’t have to be that complicated.

What’s one thing you want people to take away from your classes?

That they felt completely at ease.

The first thing I noticed when I got to your class was the music. How do you come up with your banging playlists?

I play what I like to personally flow to. Music has always been a big part of my life. It’s when I feel free and happy. I’m that person that struggles to not be whining up on the tube platform. I find music helps me play and connect, so I wanted to share this with other people that might feel the same.

What advice would you give people looking to start yoga or improve their practice?

Try to leave your preconceptions at the door.

Less thinking and way more feeling so you can move intuitively and ignore any unhelpful thoughts or feelings cos’ you’re doing something new.

Shop around and find a teacher that you just vibe with.

Try and give it a fair chance and some consistency. It took me a while to start to “get it”.